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When Do You Actually Pay for College?

For most families, the first college payments are the admissions and housing deposits, usually due when the student accepts admission by May 1.

After that, colleges typically send a bill about a month before the term begins. This statement usually includes direct-billed costs such as tuition, fees, housing, and meals. It may also include optional charges like health insurance, parking, or other campus fees, so review the bill carefully and waive anything you don’t need.

Financial aid and loans often appear as “pending” until they are officially applied. Student loans are usually split evenly by term and sent directly to the college. Any extra funds are refunded only after the bill is covered, which can take a few weeks after classes begin.

Most colleges expect the term bill to be paid upfront, though many offer payment plans. For families paying from income, a payment plan may be less expensive than borrowing.

Don’t forget to budget for books, supplies, travel, personal expenses, and off-campus rent or groceries. If using a 529 plan, keep records and make sure withdrawals match qualified education expenses.

A few helpful parent tips: join the college’s parent Facebook group for campus-specific money-saving advice, and book Thanksgiving and winter break flights early using the published academic calendar.

College Spotlight
University of Nebraska, Lincoln
Public University
Lincoln, Nebraska
www.unl.edu

• Undergraduate student enrollment: 19,701
• College location: Urban
• Distance from nearest airport: Lincoln Airport, 5 miles, 8 minutes
• Average accepted GPA and test scores: 3.50 GPA, 22-28 ACT, 1100-1330 SAT. Test optional
• Acceptance rate: 87%
• Application deadlines: Rolling admission August 1- May 1. Priority Scholarship Date – November 1.
• Merit scholarships/Need-based aid: Automatic consideration for merit scholarships range from $2,000 to full tuition. Apply by November 1 for maximum scholarship consideration. Need-based aid limited for out-of-state students. FAFSA.
• Most popular, new, or unique majors: Business Administration, Sports Media and Communication, Forensic Science, Architecture, Interior Design, Psychology, Pre-Health, 30 majors in Agriculture, PGA Golf Management, Food Technology for Companion Animals, Hospitality and Tourism Management, Construction Engineering. Colleges of: Agricultural Sciences & Natural Resources; Architecture; Arts & Sciences; Business; Education & Human Sciences; Engineering; Fine & Performing Arts; and Journalism & Mass Communications.
• Student Life: NCAA D1 Athletics, 20% Greek Life, 500+ clubs and organizations including Theme Park Design Club and Aerospace Engineering Club
• Total Cost of Attendance 2025-2026: In-state - $28,802. Out of state - $48,031
• What is unique or makes your school standout? The University of Nebraska-Lincoln is a large public research university with big football and even bigger opportunities. Located in the top 100 safest college communities and the 2nd most affordable college city, UNL offers all the opportunities of a large university with the feel of a friendly midwestern community. Research facilities include horticulture laboratories, a drone journalism lab, a forensic science crime scene house, and many more. With one of the lowest tuitions in the Big Ten and consistently ranked a Best Buy and Best Value school, there is no question about the value of an education at Nebraska. Stop by and experience why our logan in the state is “Nebraska Nice!”

Major Snapshot
Coaching and Sports Performance Science

A major in Coaching and Sports Performance Science (sometimes called Sports Science and Performance Programming or Coaching and Performance Science) is a specialized, interdisciplinary program that blends evidence-based exercise science with practical coaching methodology to maximize athletic potential and minimize injury.

Coaching and Performance Science students graduate with key knowledge in philosophy and ethics, safety and injury prevention, physical conditioning, growth and development, teaching and communication, sport skills and tactics, organization, administration, and evaluation.

Some colleges with degrees in Coaching and Performance Science:
Arizona State University
Cal State Long Beach
Cal State Sacramento
Carroll University
Liberty University
Miami University
Mississippi State University
Oklahoma State University
Point Loma Nazarene University
Potomac State College
SUNY Cortland
University of Central Florida
University of Denver
University of Mary
University of Northern Colorado
West Virginia University
Western New England University

Application numbers for 2025-2026. Be sure you have a balanced college list!

Institutional Scholarship Highlight
Boston University - Massachusetts

Trustee Scholarship
Full Tuition and Fees

https://www.bu.edu/provost/students/undergraduate/trustee-scholars-program/

What is an Accelerated or Direct Entry Healthcare Program?

An accelerated or direct entry healthcare program is a college pathway that gives students a more structured, often faster route into a professional healthcare degree or career.

Direct entry healthcare programs allow students to begin a healthcare-focused major right away as freshmen, instead of applying later after completing prerequisites. For example, a student admitted directly into a Direct Entry BSN nursing program starts college knowing they have a spot in the nursing program, if they meet progression requirements.

Accelerated healthcare programs shorten the timeline to earn a professional degree or credential. These may combine undergraduate and graduate study, such as a 3+2 or 4+1 program, allowing students to complete both degrees in less time than the traditional route.

Examples include:

Direct Entry BSN Nursing
Students are admitted directly into a nursing program as freshmen.

BS/MS Athletic Training
Students complete undergraduate coursework and a master’s degree in athletic training through a coordinated pathway.

Early Assurance Pharmacy or Pharm.D. Programs
Students are conditionally guaranteed a spot in pharmacy school if they meet GPA, prerequisite, and other requirements.

Physician Assistant Pathways
Some colleges offer early assurance or combined bachelor’s/master’s pathways into PA programs.

Occupational Therapy or Physical Therapy Pathways
Students may enter a combined or preferred-admission route leading to OT or PT graduate study.

A BS/MD program is a combined pathway where a student is admitted as a high school senior into both an undergraduate college and a future medical school pathway. A BS/DDS or BS/DMD program works similarly, but for dental school.

These programs are often called:

BS/MD programs
Bachelor’s degree + Doctor of Medicine degree

BS/DO programs
Bachelor’s degree + Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree

BS/DDS or BS/DMD programs
Bachelor’s degree + dental degree

The biggest appeal is that students may receive conditional acceptance to medical or dental school early, sometimes while they are still in high school. This can reduce the pressure of applying to medical or dental school later.

The biggest benefit is certainty and structure. Students often know earlier whether they have a place in a competitive healthcare program. However, families should read the fine print carefully because many programs require students to maintain a certain GPA, complete specific science courses, earn minimum grades, or pass interviews or progression reviews.

College Spotlight
Colorado Mesa University
Public University
Grand Junction, CO
www.coloradomesa.edu

• Undergraduate student enrollment: 9,473
• College location: Suburban/Urban
• Distance from nearest major airport: Grand Junction Regional Airport – 4.1 miles, Denver International Airport – 264 miles
• Average accepted GPA and test scores? 3.2 GPA guarantees acceptance to CMU; students with a lower GPA are still encouraged to apply. SAT and ACT scores are not required for admission or for scholarship purposes.
• Acceptance rate: 98%
• Application deadlines: We have rolling admissions, essentially meaning that you can apply and be admitted to Colorado Mesa University so long as class registration is still open. Therefore, we don't have any real application deadline windows. We do highly recommend applying sooner rather than later. By applying early, you can take advantage of subsequent priority applications like foundation scholarships and housing.
• Merit scholarships/Need-based aid: WUE Award $9,096, Trustee Scholarship: $7,500, 3.9 GPA (weighted or unweighted), Presidents Scholarship: $5,000, 3.5 GPA, Academic Achievement Scholarship: $3,000, 3.2 GPA. CMU and Donor Scholarships: Administers over $3,300,000 in private scholarships to over 1000 students each year. These scholarships range from a cash stipend to full tuition and fees. The scholarship application opens October 1 the year prior and will be accepted through the priority deadline of January 31st.
• Most popular, new, or unique majors: Nursing, Business, Kinesiology and Exercise Science, Criminal Justice, and Psychology
• Student Life: NCAA Division II Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference with 26 teams. Club sports include Alpine Skiing, Nordic Skiing, Cycling, Ice Hockey, Rodeo, and Women’s Rugby. Fraternities: Kappa Sigma and Theta Xi. Sororities: Alpha Sigma Alpha and Gamma Phi Beta. Outdoor recreation opportunities abound, hiking, skiing, river sports, rock climbing, cycling and includes student outdoor trips.
• Total Cost of Attendance 2026-2027: In-state - $28,702. Out of state - $44,454. Out of state with WUE - $35,358
• What is unique or makes your school stand out? CMU prides itself on its small class sizes, which can foster a more personalized and engaging learning environment. Professors often have the opportunity to provide one-on-one attention to students. Additionally, the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program is an agreement among several western U.S. states that allows students from participating states to attend out-of-state universities at reduced tuition rates.

Major Snapshot
Aquarium Science, Aquatic Biology, and Aquaculture

Aquarium science is an interdisciplinary field that combines animal husbandry, water chemistry, and other topics to prepare students for careers in aquariums, zoos, and other animal facilities: Animal husbandry: Learn how to care for and breed a variety of aquatic animals, including fish, corals, and invertebrates. Water quality: Learn how to test and manage water quality, and how to maintain aquatic life support systems. Environmental conditions: Learn how to replicate environmental conditions like lighting, water quality, and nutrition. Communication: Learn how to communicate scientific concepts and research findings. Teamwork: Learn how to work in teams to plan, construct, and manage environments

Aquarium Science Technology focuses on the application of technical skills in the fields of animal management, conservation and education in an aquarium setting. Potential coursework includes instruction in animal behavior, aquarium science, life support systems and water quality testing and management.

Some colleges with a major or concentration in Aquarium Science:
Delaware Valley University
Michigan State University
Otterbein University
Roger Williams University
Saint Francis University
SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry
University of Florida
University of New England
West Liberty University
Western Oregon University

Institutional Scholarship Highlight
Hillsdale College - Michigan

Academic Merit Scholarships
Up to Full Tuition

https://www.hillsdale.edu/admissions-aid/financial-aid/scholarships/

June College Planning Tips for Rising Seniors

Rising seniors, you are about to become college applicants! Now is the perfect time to start building a thoughtful college list that reflects your goals, priorities, and financial reality.

Before adding colleges just because they are well-known, take time to ask:
• What kind of learning environment helps me thrive?
• What matters most, major, size, location, cost, campus culture?
• What do I want to accomplish by graduation?
• Which schools are realistic academic and financial fits?

Establish priorities. Students often focus on college destinations without thinking about fit. Identify your “essentials.”

This summer, let your list grow. Visit different types of campuses, large and small, public and private, urban and rural. “Window shopping” now helps you recognize what truly feels right.

As you research, focus especially on target schools, the places where your academic profile puts you in a strong position and where you are likely to be valued for what you bring. Dream schools are fine, but they should not dominate your list.

By September, aim to narrow your list to about 10–12 colleges, with most being solid target options. A focused, balanced list will help you submit stronger applications and make better decisions.

Bottom line: Build your college list around fit, affordability, and opportunity, not just name recognition.